Research Shows 25% of Surgical Errors Caused by Technology Issues

Posted By David C. Rash P.A. || 24-Oct-2016

While advances in technology have made many surgical procedures easier
and less costly than ever before, it appears that technology may be the
reason behind numerous errors. According to a an examination of more than
28 different published studies about operating room errors conducted by
BMJ Group, roughly 25% of all surgical errors are caused by technology
issues – with about half of these errors being preventable by simply
adhering to a basic surgical checklist created by the World Health Organization
(WHO). The analysis also revealed a direct correlation between the number
of technologies and other surgical equipment pieces used within a given
surgery and the number of errors reported, with technology and equipment
issues being cited in an average of 15.5% of malpractice claims.

Why Is This the Case?

According to the research, the top three issues causing the mishaps included
the surgeon and surgeon assistants' lack of training or knowledge,
the lack of available equipment, and defective or faulty equipment.

8 of the 28 studies revealed the frequencies of these causes as follows:

Improper equipment and technology configuration: 43.4% of errors

Unavailability of necessary equipment: 37% of errors

Defective or otherwise faulty equipment: 33% of errors

Unfortunately, it appears that doctors can minimize most of these errors
by adhering to a WHO-created safety checklist. The study found that almost
20% of the cited equipment failures resulted in major surgical issues.
Despite these findings, little has been done to ensure greater accountability
or adherence by doctors to a set of standardized technology safety procedures.

This study show how no matter how beneficial or life-saving certain medical
technologies may seem, they still have a potential for danger. If you
have suffered a surgical error due to improper use of technology or defective
equipment, contact a Miami medical malpractice attorney at David C. Rash
P.A. With more than 25 years of trial-tested experience, our tenacious
advocates have what it takes to assert your rights and demand full compensation
for your suffering.

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